10. Kurt Zouma

Image courtesy of frenchfootballweekly.com

Club: Saint-Etienne

Age: 18

Position: Centre-Back

French defender Kurt Zouma was fast tracked through the Saint-Etienne youth setup once he arrived at the club as a 15-year-old—such was his natural ability and physical dominance over those in his age group.

Having just turned 18, Zouma is now an established regular in the Ligue 1 side's starting XI, and he's likely to follow in the footsteps of Raphael Varane in earning a move to one of Europe's finest in the near future.

If his career even half lives up to his potential, his is an apt name that we'll be talking about for a long time to come.

9. Koke

Spanish midfielder Koke has been on a run of golden form in La Liga recently as his club, Atletico Madrid, continues to mix it with Barcelona and Real Madrid at the summit of the table.

This is a player whose name has long been on the lips of Spanish scouts—he was first signed to Atletico as a schoolboy and has represented his country at every youth level since turning professional in 2008.

Unlike Zouma, the creative midfielder Koke has the potential to develop into a bona fide superstar whilst at his current club.

1. Marco Verratti

For those who have been paying attention, Marco Verratti has been setting both the Champions League and Ligue 1 alight with his form this season.

So why is he on a list of future stars and not current ones?

Simple. With PSG set to go deep in European competition, Verratti will get the chance to strut his stuff on the biggest stage in 2013, and once he does, be prepared to witness the emergence of a true breakout star.

Who else could make waves in 2013? Which of the players on this list impresses you the most?